In 1956, Bill Evans was virtually unknown (it would be more than a year before he first gained notice as part of the celebrated Miles Davis Sextet). His initial album attracted little attention back then, but listening with hindsight it is easy to hear in these highly individual trio and solo treatments a clear prophecy of the rich inventiveness that so deeply influenced Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Keith Jarrett, and an entire generation of jazz pianists.